startled way. Came at last a sharp, metallic click, as Jimmie Dale flung
the handle over--and the door swung wide. He shut it again
instantly--and locked it.

"It's your turn, Birdie," he said calmly. "You see that, as far as I
or my intentions are concerned, it doesn't matter whether you open
it or not."

"Who are you?" There was awed admiration in Birdie's voice.
"You're slicker than ever I was, even in the old days. For God's
sake, who are you?"

"Never mind," said Jimmie Dale. "Open the safe, if you can."

"I can open it all right," said Birdie, moving slowly forward; "and
quicker than you did, because I got the combination when I was workin'
on it with Slimmy watchin'. Throw the light on the knob, will you?"

It was barely an instant before Birdie Lee swung back the door.

"Now lock it again," directed Jimmie Dale. And then, as the other
obeyed, he held out his hand to Birdie Lee. "You're clear, Birdie."

A tremor came to the other's face.

"Clear?" repeated Birdie unsteadily.

"Yes--you get your chance. That's one reason why I came here
to-night--to spoil Slimmy Jack's play, to see that you got your chance
if you really wanted it, as"--he added whimsically--"I was informed you